Blue Crab Management Information
Blue crab are currently managed under Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan. Review of the blue crab FMP is scheduled to begin in 2026. Results of the 2018 benchmark stock assessment indicate the blue crab stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring. Available data indicate continued declining trends in the blue crab stock. The Division has started the process of developing a new benchmark stock assessment to better understand the current blue crab stock status.
Blue Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment Webinar
In May 2026, the Division's Stock Assessment Program hosted a public webinar to provide a description of the Division's stock assessment process, discuss the peer review of the 2023 NC Blue Crab Update Stock Assessment, and provide an update on progress made to-date on the 2026 NC Blue Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment.
| Species Leads |
|---|
| Charles Bangley Email: Charles.Bangley@deq.nc.gov Phone: 252-948-3874 |
| Scott Scripter Email: Scott.Scripter@deq.nc.gov Phone: 252-381-6000 |